British technology company Dyson has rejected and does not recognise labour exploitation allegations published yesterday in a UK-based daily involving one of its supply manufacturers in Malaysia.
This came after a report by the Sunday Mirror claimed that ATA Industrial (M) Sdn Bhd (ATA), an electronics factory in Johor, was exploiting its migrant workers.
"Based on our regular audits, as well as regulatory filings by ATA, we are confident that these allegations and images do not relate to Dyson’s supply chain and that Dyson products are not manufactured by workers living in these alleged conditions.
"We hold our suppliers to account and if any breaches of our policies were to be found we would take swift corrective action.
“We operate an ethical and responsible global supply chain, our approach is anchored in constant improvement, and we take action where we see any evidence of wrongdoing," said a Dyson spokesperson.
Dyson said it is committed to policies and standards consistent with international regulations that are regularly and thoroughly reviewed with all suppliers.
"All suppliers commit to these contractually binding standards which are monitored regularly through our own audits as well as those undertaken by independent internationally recognised auditing companies," the spokesperson added.
ATA is a third-party contract manufacturer for Dyson and is believed to be the largest contract manufacturer of electrical appliances in Malaysia.
ATA makes products such as vacuum cleaner bin bases and battery covers for Dyson. Its Dyson operations are regularly audited by Dyson's dedicated in-house team and by independent, internationally recognised, third-party auditors.
Dyson Limited was established in the United Kingdom by James Dyson in 1991. It designs and manufactures household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, hand dryers, bladeless fans, heaters, hairdryers, and lights.
Details of its policies and compliance with relevant laws and regulations can be found on the Dyson website within its Modern Slavery Statement 2020.
Dyson said the Sunday Mirror article - portions of which were reproduced by Malaysiakini - is being disputed by Dyson and is now subject to legal action.
"Dyson will take all steps necessary to defend itself against damaging and misleading coverage and we attach a letter from Shillings who are representing us in this respect.”
The Sunday Mirror report claimed that ATA was exploiting workers by making them work excessive hours and forcing them to live in substandard conditions, with a worker complaining of having to put in 186 hours of overtime a month just to make ends meet.
ATA senior manager Jivanadham Kavita Kaushaliya denied that the firm exploited its workers.
He said the firm strictly complied with local labour laws and regulations related to recruitment, minimum wage, overtime hours and no child labour policy.
"The group provides hostel accommodation for all foreign workers which meet international labour standards adopted and audited regularly by our main multinational customers and global retailers," Jivanadham added. - Mkini
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